Primacy of the Object: Adorno's Aesthetic Theory and the Return of Form

Professor for European Culture and the History of Knowledge, Humboldt University of Berlin

April 3, 2019

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Lower Level Conference Room, Adolphus Busch Hall

Renewed interest in the formal aspects of literature has also impacted the contemporary reception of Adorno, especially his "Aesthetic Theory," which appeared a century ago this year. Considering recent returns to Adorno in light of the debates around the 'new formalism', the lecture will be concerned with the limits of the seemingly congenial fit Adorno's with contemporary concerns.

About

We are now approaching the 50th anniversary of Aesthetic Theory
(first published posthumously in 1970), the final masterpiece of the
philosopher and social theorist Theodor W. Adorno. This lecture
contributes to the semester-long series of scholarly presentations that
reflect on the legacy and actuality of this major work.